The A8 motorway is closed in both this Wednesday from 1:50 p.m. near Mandelieu, near Cannes. “A traffic accident has just occurred” in the direction of Aix-en-Provence and “a fire has started”, said the departmental fire and rescue service (Sdis) of the Alpes-Maritimes.
A weight crossed the traffic lanes and struck five oncoming vehicles. According to a first assessment which remains to be confirmed, the accident left one dead, but also two seriously injured and seven lighter injuries.
Fire on#AT 8 at Mandelieu pic.twitter.com/vc3eK1fQzP
– Claire Planchard (@Clplanchard) July 7, 2021
The traffic is at a standstill and thick smoke is emerging from a neighboring hill in the grip of flames, a journalist from 20 minutes.
Air assets
“For a reason still undetermined, the heavy vehicle traveling in the direction of Italy, crossed the road, hit the slideways and finished its course on the opposite road, in the direction of Aix en Provence”, details Vinci autoroutes.
The emergency services also intervene to contain the disaster. At least one water bomber helicopter and Canadair are on site. “A substantial device was immediately engaged with more than 40 firefighters,” says Sdis 06.
Vinci Autoroutes recommends avoiding the area and advises that in the direction of Aix-en-Provence, the exit “41 Mandelieu Est” is compulsory. Towards Nice, take the exit “38 Fréjus Ouest”.
Tuesday, a pile-up had already left four injured on the A8 at Cannes.